A digital resource based on plastinated specimens for learning dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs

Abstract

In this study, plastinated specimens were used for creating a learning model to assist students’ understanding of a common cardiac pathology of dogs. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a myocardial disease, causing a progressive dilatation of all four cardiac chambers, with concomitant changes in systolic function. Two plastinated sections of canine hearts were used, one from a healthy dog, and the other belonging to a dog affected by dilated cardiomyopathy. Plastinated sections were photographed and digitized, and then a static image animation program was used to simulate the heartbeat, in a reliable manner. The digital materials were used to create a video tutorial, in which the structures of the heart were simultaneously highlighted in both anatomical and ultrasound images. The video tutorial was accessed via QR code, which was given to a set of students of the Veterinary Degree Program with previous basic training in ultrasound diagnosis. A satisfaction survey was used to monitor each student's perception of the importance of clinical anatomy and the usage and learning experience with the video tutorial. The results reported that most students considered anatomy as a fundamental subject for their professional career, although their knowledge about it at the end of the degree was not too extensive. The overall score of the video tutorial was very high, as it apparently facilitated the understanding of ultrasound imaging related to dilated cardiomyopathy. It is concluded that the combined use of plastinated material with e-learning improved the subjective perception of learning and understanding of the dilated cardiomyopathy by the students.